What Causes Rhabdomyolysis?

Genetic Muscle Diseases

There are several rare genetic muscle diseases that can cause rhabdomyolysis. Some examples are McArdle's disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In McArdle's disease, also known as GSD V, the sufferer lacks an enzyme needed to break down glycogen. Glycogen is a form of glucose stored in the muscles. Individuals with this condition have to be careful not to exercise too vigorously. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterized by a lack of dystrophin, which is a protein that holds muscle cells together.

In addition to these diseases, a genetic deficiency of carnitine or lactate dehydrogenase can lead to rhabdomyolysis. These compounds are involved in energy production in the muscle cells; carnitine also plays a role in removing toxins from muscle cells. A deficiency in carnitine or lactate dehydrogenase can cause issues with breaking down sugars in the muscles.

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